Mosley to sue News of the World

Motorsport boss Max Mosley has launched a libel claim in the French courts against the News of the World over allegations he engaged in a Nazi-themed orgy.

The Sunday tabloid reported Mr Mosley joined five prostitutes in a five-hour orgy and published video of the alleged encounter.

FIA President Mr Mosley is suing the paper's owner News Group Newspapers in the British courts for breach of privacy, with a five-day trial expected in July.

The French lawsuit claims defamation and invasion of privacy against the newspaper and members of staff including the editor in chief, Mr Mosley's lawyer Philippe Ouakrat said today.

A spokesman for the newspaper said they had no comment on the action - but have said previously they will vigorously defend the claims against them in the British courts.

Mr Mosley, 67, the son of British Fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, has accepted that he visited the prostitutes, but denies there were Nazi overtones to what happened.

The newspaper successfully blocked a High Court bid by Mr Mosley to prevent publication of the video last month.

He has apologised to the FIA - the governing body for Formula One - for any embarrassment caused by his actions, but faced repeated calls for his resignation.

His future is likely to be decided in a confidence vote in Paris next week.